Work implement assembly using an adapter mating with a notched base edge

ABSTRACT

A base edge includes a plurality of center notches and a first and a second end notches that all include the same configuration, defining a notch depth along direction of assembly, a straight middle portion straddled laterally by a first arcuate corner portion and a second arcuate corner portion, the straight middle portion defining a lateral straight middle portion width, and the notch depth ranges from 0.1 multiplied by the lateral straight middle portion width to 0.5 multiplied by the lateral straight middle portion width.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This non-provisional patent application claims the benefit of U.S.Provisional Patent Application No. 62/768,403, filed on Nov. 16, 2018,entitled “Advansys Mechanically Attached Adaptor”, the contents of whichis hereby incorporated by reference in its entirety.

TECHNICAL FIELD

The present disclosure relates to work implement assemblies such asbucket assemblies used by earth moving, mining, construction equipmentand the like. More specifically, the present disclosure relates to suchassemblies that employ a notched base edge and tool adapters mating withthe base edge.

BACKGROUND

Machines such as wheel loaders, excavators, and the like employ workimplement assemblies including bucket assemblies, rakes, shears, etc.that have teeth or tips attached to them to help perform work on amaterial such as dirt, rock, sand, etc. For example, teeth or tips maybe attached to a bucket assembly to help the bucket assembly topenetrate the ground, facilitating the scooping of the dirt into abucket. Adapters are often attached to the work edges (e.g. the baseedge, the side edge, etc.) of the bucket or other work implement so thatdifferent styles of teeth or tips may be attached to the work implement.Also, the tips or teeth may be replaced easily when worn by providing anadapter that is attached to the work implement.

Many such adapters are mechanically attached to the working edge of thework implement. However, current adapters do not always meet customerrequirements for longevity or durability.

U.S. Pat. No. 10,119,252 discloses a tool adapter for attaching a toolto a work implement using a retaining mechanism that includes a bodythat defines a pocket that defines an abutment or reinforcement surface.The body may include a nose portion that is configured to facilitate theattachment of a tool or tip, a first leg, a second leg, and a throatportion that connects the legs and nose portion together. At least oneleg may define an aperture that is configured to receive a retainingmechanism. The first and second legs and the throat portion also definea slot that includes a closed end and an open end that defines adirection of assembly onto a work implement. The minimum distancemeasured from the abutment surface to the throat measured in thedirection of assembly is less than the minimum distance from theaperture to the throat measured in the direction of assembly. The baseedge is straight and a reinforcement member may contact the side of aleg.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

A base edge according to an embodiment of the present disclosure isprovided. The base edge comprises a body including a working edgedefining a lateral direction and a direction of assembly perpendicularto the lateral direction. The body may further define a first lateralend and a second lateral end, a plurality of vertical mounting mechanismreceiving apertures, a plurality of center notches extending from theworking edge, and a first end notch disposed proximate to the firstlateral end and a second end notch disposed proximate to the secondlateral end, the first end notch and the second end notch extending fromthe working edge. Each of the plurality of center notches and the firstand the second end notches may include the same configuration, defininga notch depth along direction of assembly, each of the plurality ofcenter notches and the first and the second end notches further includesa straight middle portion straddled laterally by a first arcuate cornerportion and a second arcuate corner portion, the straight middle portiondefining a lateral straight middle portion width, and the notch depthranges from 0.1 multiplied by the lateral straight middle portion widthto 0.5 multiplied by the lateral straight middle portion width.

An adapter according to an embodiment of the present disclosure isprovided. The adapter may comprise a body that includes a nose portionthat is configured to facilitate the attachment of a tool, a first leg,a second leg, a throat portion that connects the legs and nose portiontogether, at least one of the first leg and the second leg defines anaperture that is configured to receive a mounting mechanism, and thefirst and the second legs and the throat portion define a slot thatincludes a closed end and an open end, the slot defining a direction ofassembly onto a work implement and a lateral direction that isperpendicular to the direction of assembly. The throat portion furthercomprises a first throat side surface disposed along the lateraldirection and a second throat side surface disposed on the opposite sideof the throat portion along the lateral direction, and the throatportion further comprises a protrusion disposed at the closed end of theslot, the protrusion extending along the direction of assembly and alongthe lateral direction proximate to the first throat side surface andproximate to the second throat side surface. The protrusion defines aprotrusion height along the direction of assembly, the protrusionfurther includes a flat middle portion straddled laterally by a firstarcuate portion and a second arcuate portion, the flat middle portiondefining a middle lateral width, and the protrusion height ranges from0.1 multiplied by the middle lateral width to 0.5 multiplied by themiddle lateral width.

A work implement assembly according to an embodiment of the presentdisclosure is provided. The work implement assembly may comprise anotched base edge defining a notch, a first lateral end, and a secondlateral end, an adapter attached to the notched base edge, the adapterincluding a body that includes a nose portion that is configured tofacilitate the attachment of a tool, a first leg, a second leg, a throatportion that connects the legs and nose portion together, at least oneof the first leg and the second leg defines an aperture that isconfigured to receive a mounting mechanism, and the first and the secondlegs and the throat portion define a slot that includes a closed end andan open end. The slot defines a direction of assembly onto a workimplement and a lateral direction that is perpendicular to the directionof assembly, and the throat portion further comprises a first throatside surface disposed along the lateral direction and a second throatside surface disposed on the opposite side of the throat portion alongthe lateral direction, and the throat portion further comprises aprotrusion disposed at the closed end of the slot, the protrusionextending along the direction of assembly and along the lateraldirection proximate to the first throat side surface and proximate tothe second throat side surface. The protrusion defines a protrusionheight along the direction of assembly, the protrusion further includesa flat middle portion straddled laterally by a first arcuate portion anda second arcuate portion, the flat middle portion defining a middlelateral width, and the protrusion height ranges from 0.1 multiplied bythe middle lateral width to 0.5 multiplied by the middle lateral width.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of a work implement assembly such as abucket assembly using components such as a center adapter, a corneradapter, a load sharing block, a center adapter cover, a corner adaptercover, a center tip, a corner tip, and a notched base edge configuredaccording to an embodiment of the present disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a side view of a center adapter mounted onto a notched baseedge removed from the bucket assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a top sectional view of the center adapter and notched baseedge of FIG. 2 illustrating how the center adapter mates with a centernotch of the notched base edge.

FIG. 4 is an enlarged perspective view of the notched base edge of FIG.3 with the center adapter removed to show the center notch of thenotched base edge with more clarity.

FIG. 5 is an enlarged side view of the center adapter and notched baseedge of FIG. 2 illustrating the clearance provided between the frontportion of the notched base edge and the base edge receiving slot of thecenter adapter.

FIG. 6 is a front oriented perspective view of the center adapter ofFIG. 2 removed from notched base edge.

FIG. 7 is a rear oriented perspective view of the center adapter of FIG.6.

FIG. 8 is a top view of the center adapter of FIG. 6.

FIG. 9 is an enlarged side view of the nose portion of the centeradapter of FIG. 6.

FIG. 10 is a side view of an instance of the center adapter, center tip,center adapter cover, notched base edge and load sharing block of thebucket assembly of FIG. 1.

FIG. 11 is a top sectional view of FIG. 10 showing the top leg of thecenter adapter, a vertical mounting mechanism, the notched base edge andthe top load sharing blocks of FIG. 10.

FIG. 12 is an enlarged perspective view of FIG. 10 depicting a top loadsharing block resting on the base edge and supporting the centeradapter.

FIG. 13 is a front oriented perspective view of the load sharing blockof FIG. 12.

FIG. 14 is a rear oriented perspective view of the load sharing block ofFIG. 12.

FIG. 15 is a top view of the load sharing block of FIG. 12.

FIG. 16 is a front oriented perspective view of the corner adapter ofthe bucket assembly of FIG. 1 removed from the bucket assembly.

FIG. 17 is a top view of an instance of a corner adapter, the notchedbase edge, the horizontal mounting mechanism and the corner tip of FIG.1 with the corner adapter cover removed for enhanced clarity.

FIG. 18 is a side sectional view of the corner adapter, the notched baseedge, the horizontal mounting mechanism and corner tip of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a top sectional view of the corner adapter mating with acorner notch of the notched base edge of FIG. 17.

FIG. 20 is a perspective view of the notched base edge of the bucketassembly of FIG. 1 shown in isolation.

FIG. 21 is a top view of the notched base edge of FIG. 20.

FIG. 22 is an enlarged top detail view of the notched base edge of FIG.21 showing the corner notch more clearly.

FIG. 23 is a side view of an instance of the center adapter, center tip,notched base edge and center adapter cover of FIG. 1, illustrating theflow of material over the center adapter cover, helping to protect thetop leg of the center adapter from wear.

FIG. 24 is an enlarged perspective view of the center adapter, thecenter tip, the center adapter cover, and the notched base edge of FIG.23.

FIG. 25 is a top view of the center adapter, the center tip, the centeradapter cover, and the notched base edge of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is a front oriented perspective view of the center adapter coverof FIG. 23.

FIG. 27 is a rear oriented perspective view of the center adapter coverof FIG. 23.

FIG. 28 is a front view of the center adapter cover of FIG. 23.

FIG. 29 is a perspective view of an instance of the corner tip, thecorner adapter cover, the corner adapter, a side edge, the horizontalmounting mechanism, and the notched base edge of the bucket assembly ofFIG. 1 removed from the bucket assembly.

FIG. 30 is a side view of the corner tip, the corner adapter cover, thecorner adapter, the side edge, the horizontal mounting mechanism, andthe notched base edge of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a top enlarged view of the corner tip, the side edge, thecorner adapter cover, the corner adapter, and the notched based edge ofFIG. 30.

FIG. 32 is a front oriented perspective view of the corner adapter coverof FIG. 29.

FIG. 33 is a rear oriented perspective view of the corner adapter coverof FIG. 29.

FIG. 34 is a front view of the corner adapter cover of FIG. 29.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

Reference will now be made in detail to embodiments of the disclosure,examples of which are illustrated in the accompanying drawings. Whereverpossible, the same reference numbers will be used throughout thedrawings to refer to the same or like parts. In some cases, a referencenumber will be indicated in this specification and the drawings willshow the reference number followed by a letter for example, 100 a, 100 bor a prime indicator such as 100′, 100″ etc. It is to be understood thatthe use of letters or primes immediately after a reference numberindicates that these features are similarly shaped and have similarfunction such as is often the case when geometry is mirrored about aplane of symmetry. For ease of explanation in this specification,letters or primes will often not be included herein but may be shown inthe drawings to indicate duplications of features discussed within thiswritten specification.

A work implement assembly using center adapters, corner adapters, loadsharing blocks, center adapter covers, corner adapter covers, and baseedges according to various embodiments of the present disclosure willnow be discussed.

Starting with FIG. 1, the work implement assembly 100, 100 a, 100 b, 100c, 100 d, 100 e, 100 f may take the form of a bucket assembly 100′ thatincludes an enclosure 101 that defines an opening 102 that communicateswith a generally enclosed interior. Starting from the rear of the bucketassembly 100 as shown in FIG. 1, the bucket assembly 100 includes acurved shell profile 104, which is attached to a rear wall 106 at thetop end of the shell 104. The other end of the shell is attached to thebottom plate 108 of the assembly 100. A top plate 110 is attached to thetop end of the rear wall 106. The top plate 110 transitions to a spillguard 112 that is designed to funnel material into the interior of thebucket and prevent material from spilling out of the bucket. Reinforcingribs 118 are provided that are attached to the top plate 110 and thespill guard 112, providing reinforcement for strength. Two substantiallyflat end plates 114 are attached to the side edges of the spill guard112, top plate 110, rear wall 106, bottom plate 108 and shell 104.

A side edge assembly 115 is attached to each end plate 114 while a frontedge assembly 116 is attached to the front edge of the bottom plate 108of the bucket assembly 100. The front edge assembly 116 includes a baseedge 700, a plurality of center adapters 200 attached to the base edge700, a plurality of tools 118 with each one of the plurality of tools118 being attached to one of the plurality of center adapters 200, and aplurality of center adapter covers 900′ with a single one of theplurality of center adapter covers 900′ being interposed between one ofthe plurality of center adapters 200 and one of the plurality of tools118. Also, two corner adapters 1100 are also attached to the base edge700 and the side edges 120 of the bucket assembly 100′. A single corneradapter cover 1000′ is interposed between each one of the corneradapters 1100 and a tool 118. A plurality of base edge protectors 122are also provided with each one of the base edge protectors 122positioned between center adapters 200 and between a center adapter 200and a corner adapter 1100. A side edge protector 124 is also providedthat is attached to the side edge 120 proximate to a corner adapter 1100and a corner adapter cover 1000′.

It is to be understood the work implement assembly may take other formsother than a bucket assembly including rake assemblies, shearassemblies, etc. Also, any of the embodiments of the adapters, centeradapters, corner adapters, adapter covers, corner adapter covers, centeradapter covers, load sharing blocks, and base edges as will be describedhereinafter in more detail may be used in any suitable work implementassembly including those depicted in FIG. 1.

Referring now to FIGS. 2 thru 12, a center adapter 200 that may be usedfor attaching a tool 118 to a work implement assembly 100 a (see FIG.10) using a mounting mechanism 126 (see FIG. 11) will now be discussedin more detail. The center adapter 200 comprises a body 202 that mayinclude a nose portion 204 that is configured to facilitate theattachment of a tool 118. The body 202 may further include a first leg206 that includes a first leg side surface 208, a second leg 210 thatincludes a second leg side surface 212, and a throat portion 214 thatconnects the legs 206, 210 and nose portion 204 together. At least oneof the first leg 206 and the second leg 210 defines an aperture 215 thatis configured to receive a mounting mechanism 126 (see FIG. 11).

As best seen in FIGS. 2, 6, 7, 10 and 12, the body 202 may define apocket 216 that defines an abutment surface 218. The pocket 216 may belocated on the first leg side surface 208 or the second leg side surface212 and the pocket 216 may define a pocket height H216, a pocket widthW216 (see FIG. 2), and a pocket depth D216 (see FIG. 11).

Looking at FIGS. 2, 6, 7 and 10, the first and the second legs 206, 208and the throat portion 214 define a slot 220 that includes a closed end222 and an open end 224. The slot 220 may define a direction of assembly226 onto a work implement assembly 100 a. The first leg 206 may includea sloped portion 228 disposed adjacent the closed end 222 along thedirection of assembly 226. The sloped portion 228 may form a firstoblique angle 230 with the direction of assembly 226, partially definingthe slot 220 (see FIG. 5). The sloped portion 228 defines a slopedportion surface normal 231 facing downwardly and along the direction ofassembly 226. The first oblique angle 230 may range from 20 degrees to40 degrees. Thus, the slot 220 may be configured to accommodate achamfered or beveled base edge. Other configurations of the slot arepossible in other embodiments including those forming different anglesor those configured to accommodate squared-off base edges, etc.

Looking at FIG. 7, the pocket 216 may be configured with an openingfacing 232 toward the direction of assembly 226. The pocket 216 mayinclude a bottom pocket surface 234 that faces in a direction 235 notparallel to the direction of assembly 226 (e.g. substantiallyperpendicular). Hence, an overhanging ledge 236 is provided that mayprotect a load sharing block 400 from wear as material passes over thecenter adapter 200. Other configurations are possible in otherembodiments.

In FIGS. 7, 11, and 12, it can be seen that the abutment surface 218 isconfigured to mate with a load sharing block 400 and may take the formof an arcuate surface 246. Focusing on FIG. 11, the arcuate surface 246may include an elliptical surface 248 defining a minor axis 250 rangingfrom 60 mm to 100 mm and a major axis 252 ranging from 100 mm to 130 mm.The major axis may be aligned with the direction of assembly. In someembodiments, the arcuate surface 246 is divided into a plurality ofdifferently configured surfaces. For example, the arcuate surface 246may also include a radial surface 254 defining a radius of curvature 256ranging from 50 mm to 200 mm. The radial surface 246 may be disposedbetween the first leg side surface 208 and the elliptical surface 248.The interface with the load sharing block 400 may create a wedge effect(represented by dotted lines in FIG. 11) as the center adapter 200 ispushed toward the base edge 700. Other configurations are possible inother embodiments.

Referring now to FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 7 and 10, the slot 220 may also define alateral direction 238 that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly226. The throat portion 214 may further comprise a first throat sidesurface 240 disposed along the lateral direction 230 and a second throatside surface 242 disposed on the opposite side of the throat portion 214along the lateral direction 238. The throat portion 214 may furthercomprise a protrusion 244 disposed at the closed end 222 of the slot220. The protrusion 244 may extend along the direction of assembly 226and along the lateral direction 238 proximate to the first throat sidesurface 240 and proximate to the second throat side surface 242.

Focusing on FIG. 3, the protrusion 244 may define a protrusion heightH244 along the direction of assembly 226 and may also include a flatmiddle portion 258 straddled laterally by a first arcuate portion 260and a second arcuate portion 262. The flat middle portion 258 may definea lateral width W258. The protrusion height H244 may range from 0.1multiplied by the lateral width W258 to 0.5 multiplied by the lateralwidth W258. The protrusion 244 may be complimentarily configured as thecorresponding center notch 702 of the base edge 700 (e.g. designed lineto line). Other configurations are possible.

The first arcuate portion 260 may define a midpoint 264 and a midpointtangent 266 that forms a first obtuse angle 268 with the flat middleportion 258 ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g. approximately130 degrees). The first arcuate portion 260 may also define an end point270 and an end point tangent 272 that forms a second obtuse angle 274with the midpoint tangent 266 ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees(e.g. approximately 130 degrees). Again, other configurations arepossible. The sloped portion and the protrusion may be configured inorder to help to maximize the contact area with the base edge, helpingto provide stability for the adapter.

Now, an adapter 300 according to another embodiment of the presentdisclosure will be described that may take the form of a center adapter,such as shown in FIGS. 2 thru 12, or a corner adapter, etc. Withreference to FIGS. 2, 6, 7, and 8, the adapter 300 may comprise a body202 that includes a nose portion 204 that is configured to facilitatethe attachment of a tool 118, a first leg 206 that includes a first legside surface 208, a second leg 210 that includes a second leg sidesurface 212, a throat portion 214 that connects the legs 206, 210 andnose portion 204 together. At least one of the first leg 206 and thesecond leg 210 may define an aperture 215 that is configured to receivea mounting mechanism 126.

The body 202 may also define a pocket 216 that defines an abutmentsurface 218. The pocket 216 may be located on a side surface 208, 212 ofat least one of the first leg 206 and the second leg 210. The pocket 216may be configured in a manner as previously described herein.

The first and the second legs 206, 210 and the throat portion 214 maydefine a slot 220 that includes a closed end 222 and an open end 224.The slot 220 may define a direction of assembly 226 onto a workimplement assembly 100 a, a lateral direction 238 that is perpendicularto the direction of assembly 226, and a vertical direction 302 that isperpendicular to the direction of assembly 226 and the lateral direction238. The throat portion 214 may further comprise a first throat sidesurface 304 disposed along the lateral direction 238 and a second throatside surface 306 disposed on the opposite side of the throat portion 214along the lateral direction 238. The first throat side surface 304 maydefine a first adapter cover receiving recess 308 including a firstvertical surface 310. A first key 312 may extend laterally from thefirst vertical surface 310. The first key 312 may provide stability andsupport to an adapter cover that is inserted onto the adapter.

Similarly, the second throat side surface 306 may define a secondadapter cover receiving recess 314 including a second vertical surface316. A second key 318 may extend laterally from the second verticalsurface 318.

The body 202 includes a top surface 320 that may extend from the noseportion 204 over the throat portion 214 to the first leg 206. The throatportion 214 may further include a first sidewall 322 extending from thefirst throat side surface 304, partially defining the first adaptercover receiving recess 308. The first key 312 may be spaced away fromthe first sidewall 322 and may also be spaced away from the top surface320.

Looking at FIG. 6, the first sidewall 322 may include a front lead-inportion 324 disposed proximate the nose portion 204 along the directionof assembly 226. The front lead-in portion 324 may form a lead-in acuteangle 326 with the direction of assembly 226 ranging from 15 degrees to30 degrees. Also, the first sidewall 322 further comprises a rearabutment portion 328 disposed along the direction of assembly 226 and atransitional portion 330 connecting the rear abutment portion 328 to thefront lead-in portion 324. The rear abutment portion 328 including arear abutment vertical surface 332. The transitional portion 330 mayinclude a serpentine shape. Other configurations for these variousfeatures are possible in other embodiments.

The first key 312 may include a first key top surface 334 and a firstkey bottom surface 336. The first key top surface 334 and the first keybottom surface 336 may be tapered along the direction of assembly 226,being configured to facilitate the attachment of an adapter cover to theadapter 200 (e.g. a center adapter cover 900). The throat portion 214further includes a first bottom clearance notch 338 disposed verticallyopposite the first adapter cover receiving recess 308 below the slot220. The first bottom clearance notch 338 may also be configured tofacilitate the attachment of an adapter cover to the adapter 200 (e.g. acenter adapter cover 900).

Next, a work implement assembly 100 a will be discussed in reference toFIGS. 1 thru 5. The work implement assembly 100 a may comprise a notchedbase edge 700 a defining a center notch 702, and a center adapter 200configured to be attached to the notched base edge 700 a. The centeradapter 200 has a body 202 that includes a nose portion 204 that isconfigured to facilitate the attachment of a tool 118 using a mountingmechanism 126 a such as sold under the TRADENAME of CAPSURE sold by theassignee of the present application. The mounting mechanism 126 a may beused to attach the tool 118 to a lug 276 located on the nose portion204.

The body 202 may also have a first leg 206 that includes a first legside surface, a second leg 210 that includes a second leg side surface212, a throat portion 214 that connects the legs 206, 210 and noseportion 204 together. At least one of the first leg 206 and the secondleg 210 defines an aperture 215 that is configured to receive a mountingmechanism 126.

The first and the second legs 206, 210 and the throat portion 214 definea slot 220 that includes a closed end 222 and an open end 224. The slot220 may also define a direction of assembly 226 onto the work implementassembly 100 a and a lateral direction 238 that is perpendicular to thedirection of assembly 226. The throat portion 214 further comprises afirst throat side surface 240 disposed along the lateral direction 238and a second throat side surface 242 disposed on the opposite side ofthe throat portion 214 along the lateral direction 238. The throatportion 214 further comprises a protrusion 244 disposed at the closedend 222 of the slot 220. The protrusion 244 may extend along thedirection of assembly 226 and along the lateral direction 238 proximateto the first throat side surface 240 and proximate to the second throatside surface 242.

Focusing on FIG. 3, the protrusion 244 may define a protrusion heightH244 along the direction of assembly 226. The protrusion 244 may have aflat middle portion 258 straddled laterally by a first arcuate portion260 and a second arcuate portion 262. The flat middle portion 258 mayalso define a lateral width W258. The protrusion height H244 may rangefrom 0.1 multiplied by the lateral width W258 to 0.5 multiplied by thelateral width W258.

The first arcuate portion 260 defines a midpoint 264 and a midpointtangent 266 that forms a first obtuse angle 268 with the flat middleportion 258 ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g. approximately130 degrees). Likewise, the first arcuate portion 260 may also define anend point 270 and an end point tangent 272 that forms a second obtuseangle 274 with the midpoint tangent 266 ranging from 100 degrees to 160degrees (e.g. approximately 130 degrees). The center notch 702 of thenotched base edge 700 a is complimentarily configured to the protrusion244, making contact with the protrusion 244 (e.g. designed line toline).

Looking at FIGS. 4 and 5, the notched base edge 700 a may include afront portion 704 including a top beveled surface 706. The first leg 206includes a sloped portion 228 disposed adjacent the closed end 222 alongthe direction of assembly 226. The sloped portion 228 may form a firstoblique angle 230 with the direction of assembly 226, partially definingthe slot 220. The first oblique angle 230 may range from 20 degrees to40 degrees. The sloped portion 228 may contact the top beveled surface706. The interface between the adapter and the base edge may provide themaximum amount of contact area to reduce adapter stress in up and downloads and the arcuate portions may reduce the stress in the base edge.The components may be “pre-seated” or designed line-to-line, which mayaid in providing adapter support in loading by helping to distribute theload.

As shown in FIGS. 11 and 12, the work implement assembly 100 a may alsohave a load sharing block 400 that is attached to the notched base edge700 a that has an arcuate reinforcement surface 402. The work implementassembly 100 a may also have a vertical mounting mechanism 126′ disposedin the aperture 215 of the at least one of the first leg 206 and thesecond leg 210.

The body 202 of the center adapter 200 defines a pocket 216 disposed onthe first leg side surface 208 that defines an abutment surface 218 thatis complimentarily configured as the arcuate reinforcement surface 202,making contact with the arcuate reinforcement surface 402 (e.g. designedline to line). The load sharing block 400 may be spaced laterally awayfrom the first leg side surface 208 a lateral predetermined distance128.

Various embodiments of a load sharing block 400, mentioned earlierherein, and their associated features will now be discussed in furtherdetail with reference to FIGS. 13 thru 15. The load sharing block 400may comprise a body 404 including a flat outer surface 406 defining afirst end 408 and a second end 410. A first arcuate outer portion 412extending from the first end 408 of the flat outer surface 406, and asecond arcuate outer portion 414 extending from the second end 410 ofthe flat outer surface 406. The first arcuate outer portion 412terminates at a first free end 416 and includes a first elliptical outersurface 418 extending from the first free end 416.

Moreover, as best seen in FIG. 15, the first arcuate outer portion 412may further includes a first radial surface 420 disposed between thefirst elliptical outer surface 418 and the flat outer surface 406. Thefirst elliptical outer surface 418 may define a minor axis 422 rangingfrom 30 mm to 60 mm and a major axis 424 ranging from 70 mm to 100 mm.The first radial surface 420 may define a radius of curvature 426ranging from 50 mm to 100 mm.

The body 404 may further include a flat inner surface 428 offsetinwardly a predetermined thickness 430 from the flat outer surface 406.In like fashion, a first arcuate inner portion 432 may be offsetinwardly the same predetermined thickness 430 from the first arcuateouter portion 412.

The body 404 may also define a vertical direction 434 (see also FIG. 13)perpendicular to the predetermined thickness 430 and a height 436measured along the vertical direction 434. The height 436 may range from1.5 multiplied by the predetermined thickness 430 to 3.0 multiplied bythe predetermined thickness 430.

Furthermore, the body 404 may define a midpoint 438 of the flat outersurface 406 and a plane of symmetry 440 passing through the midpoint438. The body 404 may also include a top surface 442 disposed along thevertical direction 434 that forms a right angle 444 with the flat outersurface 406 and the first elliptical outer surface 418. The body 404 mayfurther include a bottom surface 446 and a beveled surface 448 leadingfrom the bottom surface 446 to the first arcuate inner portion 432 andthe flat inner surface 428. The beveled surface 448 may form an obtusebevel angle 450 with the bottom surface 446 at the first free end 416ranging from 30 degrees to 60 degrees.

The beveled feature may allow a bead of weld to be used to attach theload sharing block to the base edge while the symmetry of the loadsharing block may allow it to be used on opposite sides of an adapter.The configurations of these various features of the load sharing blockmay be altered to be different or may be omitted in other embodiments ofthe present disclosure.

Another embodiment of a load sharing block 400 will now be discussedwith continued reference to FIGS. 13 thru 15. Such a load sharing block400 may comprise a body 404 that includes a flat outer surface 406defining a first end 408 and a second end 410, a first arcuate outerportion 412 extending from the first end 408 of the flat outer surface406, and a second arcuate outer portion 414 extending from the secondend 410 of the flat outer surface 406.

Focusing on FIG. 15, a flat inner surface 428 may be offset inwardly apredetermined thickness 430 from the flat outer surface 406. A firstarcuate inner portion 432 may be offset inwardly the same predeterminedthickness 430 from the first arcuate outer portion 412. Also, a secondarcuate inner portion 432′ may be offset inwardly the same predeterminedthickness 430 from the second arcuate outer portion 414.

The first arcuate outer portion 412 may terminate at a first free end416 and may include a first elliptical outer surface 418 extending fromthe first free end 416 toward the flat outer surface 406. The secondarcuate outer portion 414 may also terminate at a second free end 416′and may include a second elliptical outer surface 418′ extending fromthe second free end 416′ toward the flat outer surface 406.

The first arcuate outer portion 412 may further include a first radialsurface 420 disposed between the first elliptical outer surface 418 andthe flat outer surface 406. The second arcuate outer portion 414 mayfurther include a second radial surface 420′ disposed between the secondelliptical outer surface 418′ and the flat outer surface 406.

The second elliptical outer surface 418′ may be symmetrically configuredto the first elliptical outer surface 418, and both the first ellipticalouter surface 418 and the second elliptical outer surface 418′ maydefine a minor axis 422 ranging from 30 mm to 60 mm and a major axis 424ranging from 70 mm to 100 mm. The second radial surface 420′ may besymmetrically configured to the first radial surface 420, and both thefirst radial surface 420 and the second radial surface 420′ may define aradius of curvature 426 ranging from 50 mm to 100 mm.

The body 404 may also define a vertical direction 434 that isperpendicular to the predetermined thickness 430 and a height 436measured along the vertical direction 434. The height 436 may range from1.5 multiplied by the predetermined thickness 430 to 3.0 multiplied bythe predetermined thickness 430.

The body 404 may include a top surface 442 disposed along the verticaldirection 434 that forms a right angle 444 with the flat outer surface406 and the first elliptical outer surface 418. The body 404 may furtherinclude a bottom surface 446 and a beveled surface 448 leading from thebottom surface 446 to the first arcuate inner portion 432 and the flatinner surface 428.

Referring back to FIGS. 2, 6, 7, 10, and 11, a work implement assembly100 b utilizing a load sharing block 400 and a center adapter 200according to an embodiment of the present disclosure may becharacterized as follows. The work implement assembly 100 b may comprisea base edge 700, and a center adapter 200 configured to be attached tothe base edge 700. The center adapter 200 may include a body 202 havinga nose portion 204 that is configured to facilitate the attachment of atool 118, a first leg 206 that includes a pair of first leg opposingside surfaces 208′, a second leg 210 that includes a pair of second legopposing side surfaces 210′, a throat portion 214 that connects the legs206, 210 and nose portion 204.

At least one of the first leg 206 and the second leg 210 may define anaperture 215 that is configured to receive a mounting mechanism 126. Thebody 202 may define a first top pocket 216 a that defines a first toppocket arcuate abutment surface 218 a disposed adjacent one of the pairof first leg opposing side surfaces 208′. The first and the second legs206, 208 and the throat portion 214 may define a slot 220 that includesa closed end 222 and an open end 224. The slot 220 defines a directionof assembly 226 onto the work implement assembly 100 b, a lateraldirection 238 that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly 226,and a vertical direction 302 that is perpendicular to the lateraldirection 238 and the direction of assembly 226. The work implementassembly 100 b may also comprise a first load sharing block 400 aincluding a first arcuate reinforcement surface 402 a engaging the firsttop pocket arcuate abutment surface 218 a.

In like fashion, the body 202 further comprises a second top pocket 216b that defines a second top pocket arcuate abutment surface 218 bdisposed adjacent the other of the pair of first leg opposing sidesurfaces 208′. The work implement assembly 100 b may also have a secondload sharing block 400 b that also includes a second arcuatereinforcement surface 402 b engaging the second top pocket arcuateabutment surface 218 b.

Looking at FIG. 11, the first and the second load sharing blocks 400 a,400 b are configured to create a wedge profile 278 for the centeradapter 200 to be pulled into, providing support for lateral loads aswell as vertical loads. Also, the first load sharing block 400 a may bespaced laterally away from the one of the pair of the first leg opposingside surfaces 408′ and the second load sharing block 400 b may be spacedlaterally away from the other of the pair of the first leg opposing sidesurfaces 408′.

The work implement assembly 100 b may further comprise a verticalmounting mechanism 126′ disposed in the aperture 215 of the at least oneof the first leg 206 and the second leg 210. The first arcuatereinforcement surface 402 may comprise an elliptical surface 418 a and aradial surface 420.

The elliptical surface 418 a may define a minor axis 422 ranging from 30mm to 60 mm, and a major axis 424 ranging from 70 mm to 100 mm. Theradial surface 420 may define a radius of curvature 426 ranging from 50mm to 100 mm.

The aforementioned geometry and features of the load sharing block 400have the following functions. An elliptical load sharing block profilemay maximize the contact area and may reduce the risk of the material ofthe load sharing block mushrooming, which may cause interference betweenthe load sharing block and the adapter, making installation or removalof the load sharing block more difficult. The arcuate load sharing blockprofile may match the profile of the adapter in some embodiments. Thegap between the load sharing block and the adapter may help to limitinterference when installing or removing the load sharing block awayfrom the adapter. Any of these functions may be omitted or may bepresent in various embodiments of the present disclosure.

Next, a corner adapter 500 according to various embodiments of thepresent disclosure will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 16 thru 19,and 29 thru 31. The corner adapter 500 may be configured to allow a tool118 to be attached to a work implement assembly 100 c using a mountingmechanism 126. Looking at FIG. 16, the corner adapter 500 may comprise abody 502 that defines a vertical direction 504 and a horizontaldirection 506. The body 502 may include a nose portion 508 that isconfigured to facilitate the attachment of a tool 118 (e.g. via lug 510that is used with a mounting mechanism 126 a such as that sold under theTRADENAME of CAPSURE by the assignee of the present invention, see FIGS.29 and 30).

Focusing now on FIGS. 16 thru 18, the body 502 may also have a firstbifurcated leg 512 that includes a pair of first leg side surfaces 514.The first bifurcated leg 512 may define a vertical slot 516 splittingthe first bifurcated leg 512 into a first fork portion 518 and a secondfork portion 520. The body 502 may also have a second leg 522 thatincludes a pair of second leg side surfaces 524, a throat portion 526that connects the legs 512, 522 and nose portion 508 together. At leastone of the first fork portion 518 and the second fork portion 520defines an aperture 528 that is configured to receive a mountingmechanism 126 (e.g. the mounting mechanism 126 may take the form ahorizontal mounting mechanism 126″, see FIGS. 18, 29, and 30).

With continued reference to FIG. 16, the first and the second legs 512,522 and the throat portion 526 define a horizontal slot 530 thatincludes a closed end 532 and an open end 534. The horizontal slot 530may define a direction of assembly 536 onto a work implement assembly100 c. The first bifurcated leg 512 may include a first sloped portion538 disposed in the vertical slot 516. The first sloped portion 538 mayform a first acute angle 540 (see also FIG. 18) with the direction ofassembly 536 ranging from 20 degrees to 40 degrees (e.g. approximately30 degrees). The first sloped portion 538 may define a first slopedportion surface normal 550 that points upwardly and toward the directionof assembly 536.

As shown in FIG. 16, the horizontal slot 530 defines a lateral direction542 that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly 536. The throatportion 526 further comprises a first throat side surface 544 disposedalong the lateral direction 542 and a second throat side surface 546disposed on the opposite side of the throat portion 526 along thelateral direction 542. The throat portion 526 further comprises aprojection 548 disposed at the closed end 532 of the horizontal slot530. The projection 548 extends along the direction of assembly 536 andalong the lateral direction 542 proximate to the first throat sidesurface 544 and proximate to the second throat side surface 546.

In FIG. 19, the projection 548 may define a height 552 along thedirection of assembly 536 and may have a flat middle portion 554straddled laterally by a first arcuate portion 556 and a second arcuateportion 558. The flat middle portion 554 may define a lateral middleportion width 560, and the height 552 may range from 0.1 multiplied bythe lateral middle portion width 560 to 0.5 multiplied by the lateralmiddle portion width 560. The first arcuate portion 556 may define amidpoint 562 and a midpoint tangent 564 that forms a first obtuse angle566 with the flat middle portion 554 ranging from 100 degrees to 160degrees (e.g. approximately 130 degrees). Likewise, the first arcuateportion 556 may also define an end point 568 and an end point tangent570 that forms a second obtuse angle 572 with the midpoint tangent 564ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g. approximately 130degrees). As can be seen, the structure shown in FIG. 19 issubstantially similar or identical to that of FIG. 3. Otherconfigurations of the features of FIGS. 3 and 19 are possible in otherembodiments of the present disclosure and may be different than eachother.

Returning to FIG. 16, one of the pair of first leg side surfaces 514 maydefine a first keyway 574 defining a first opening 576 disposedproximate the nose portion 508 and extending along the direction ofassembly 536 and terminating in a rear abutment surface 578. Also, a topflared wall 580 and a bottom flared wall 582 that partially defines thefirst keyway 574 are provided. The top flared wall 580 and the bottomflared wall 582 being configured to facilitate the attachment of acorner adapter cover 1000 (see FIGS. 23 thru 25). The other of the pairof first leg side surfaces 514 may define a second keyway 584symmetrically configured as the first keyway 574. The keyways mayprovide adapter cover stability and support as the cover wears.

Now, an adapter 600 according to yet another embodiment of the presentdisclosure will be discussed with reference to FIGS. 2, 5, 6, 7, 16 and18 that may be used for attaching a tool 118 to a work implementassembly 100 d using a mounting mechanism 126. It should be noted thatthe adapter 600 may take the form of a center adapter or a corneradapter.

Looking at FIGS. 6, 7, and 16, the adapter 600 may comprise a body 202,502 that includes a nose portion 204, 508 that is configured tofacilitate the attachment of a tool 118, a first leg 206, 512, a secondleg 210, 522, a throat portion 214, 526 that connects the legs 206, 512,210, 522 and nose portion 204, 508 together. At least one of the firstleg 206, 512 and the second leg 210, 522 defines an aperture 215, 528that is configured to receive a mounting mechanism 126. The first andthe second legs 206, 512, 210, 522 and the throat portion 214, 526include an upper surface 602 and a lower surface 604 that at leastpartially define a slot 606 that includes a closed end 608 and an openend 610. The slot 606 may define a direction of assembly 612 onto a workimplement assembly 100 d, a lateral direction 614 that is perpendicularto the direction of assembly 612, and a vertical direction 616 that isperpendicular to the direction of assembly 612 and the lateral direction614.

Focusing now on FIG. 5, the slot 606 defines a clearance void 618disposed at the closed end 608 of the slot 606. The clearance void 618is at least partially defined by the closed end 608 and at least one ofthe upper surface 602 and the lower surface 604. The body 202, 502 mayalso define a clearance void vertical extremity 620 and a clearance voidheight 622 measured in the vertical direction 616 from the at least oneof the upper surface 602 and the lower surface 604 to the verticalextremity 620. The body 202, 502 may also define a clearance void width624 measured along the direction of assembly 612 from the closed end 608to the at least one of the upper surface 602 and the lower surface 604.A ratio of the clearance void width 624 to the clearance void height 622may range from 2.0 to 3.0.

Furthermore, the body 202, 502 defines an arcuate boundary surface 626that extends from the closed end 608 to the at least one of the uppersurface 602 and the lower surface 604. The upper surface 602 may be asloped surface 628 and the lower surface 604 is a horizontal surface630. This may not be the case in other embodiments. The clearance void618 may be an upper clearance void 618 a and the arcuate boundarysurface 626 extends from closed end 608 to the upper surface 602.Alternatively, the clearance void 618 may be a lower clearance void 618b and the arcuate boundary surface 626 extends from the closed end 608to the lower surface 604.

Moreover, looking at FIG. 8, the body 202 may define a maximum bodylateral width 632 and the first leg or the second leg defines a maximumleg lateral width 634 and a ratio of the maximum body lateral width 632to the maximum leg lateral width 634 may range from 1.25 to 1.5.

Referring again to FIGS. 17, 18 and 29 thru 31, a work implementassembly 100 c according to an embodiment of the present disclosure willnow be described. As best seen in FIG. 18, the work implement assembly100 c may comprise a base edge 700, a corner adapter 500 attached to thebase edge 700 making contact with the base edge 700 at a top front point130. The corner adapter 500 may include a body 502 that defines avertical direction 504, a horizontal direction 506, and a vertical plane586 passing through the body 502. The body 502 may have a nose portion508 that is configured to facilitate the attachment of a tool 118 andthat defines a bottom front point 588.

As best understood with reference to FIG. 16, the body 502 may alsoinclude a first bifurcated leg 512 that includes a pair of first legside surfaces 514 and that defines a vertical slot 516, splitting thefirst bifurcated leg 512 into a first fork portion 518 and a second forkportion 520, and a second leg 522 that includes a pair of second legside surfaces 524. A throat portion 526 may connect the legs 512, 522and nose portion 508, and at least one of the first fork portion 518 andthe second fork portion 520 defines an aperture 528 that is configuredto receive a horizontal mounting mechanism 126″.

As illustrated in FIGS. 16 and 18, a tool 118 may be attached to thenose portion 508 of the corner adapter 500, and a side edge 120 may beinserted into the vertical slot 516. The first and the second legs 512,522 and the throat portion 526 define a horizontal slot 530 thatincludes a closed end 532 and an open end 534. The horizontal slot 530may define a direction of assembly 536 onto a work implement assembly100 c. The first bifurcated leg 512 includes a first sloped portion 538disposed in the vertical slot 516 that contacts the side edge 120. Theassembly 100 c is configured such that when an upload is applied to thetool 118, there is a reactionary force at the bottom front point 588 ofthe adapter nose 508 and at the top front point 130 of the base edge 700at the closed end 532 of the horizontal slot 530. A line 590 may bedrawn through the top front point 130 of the base edge 700 and thebottom front point 588 of the nose portion 508 forms a wedge angle 592in the vertical plane 586 with the first sloped portion 538 ranging from30 degrees to 80 degrees (e.g. approximately 55 degrees), therebycreating a wedge configuration into which the corner adapter is pushed.

The first sloped portion 538 may form a first acute angle 540 with thedirection of assembly 536 ranging from 20 degrees to 40 degrees (e.g.approximately 30 degrees). The base edge 700 may include a chamfer 706′and the first leg 512 may define a second sloped portion 594 contactingthe chamfer 706′.

Now, a base edge 700 according to various embodiments of the presentdisclosure will be discussed in reference to FIGS. 20 thru 22. The baseedge 700 may have a body 708 including a working edge 710 defining alateral direction 712 and a direction of assembly 714 (so called as thisis the direction an adapter or a tool is attached to the base edge)perpendicular to the lateral direction 712. The body 708 may furtherdefine a first lateral end 716, a second lateral end 718, a plurality ofvertical mounting mechanism receiving apertures 720, a plurality ofcenter notches 702 (so called since the center notches are spaced awayfrom the lateral ends), extending from the working edge 710, and a firstend notch 724 disposed proximate to the first lateral end 716, and asecond end notch 724′ disposed proximate to the second lateral end 718.The first end notch 724 and the second end notch 724′ may also extendfrom the working edge 710.

Each of the plurality of center notches 702 and the first and the secondend notches 724, 724′ may include the same configuration, defining anotch depth 725 along direction of assembly 714 (see FIG. 22). Each ofthe plurality of center notches 702 and the first and the second endnotches 724, 724′ may further include a straight middle portion 726straddled laterally by a first arcuate corner portion 728 and a secondarcuate corner portion 728′. The straight middle portion 726 may definea lateral straight middle portion width W726, and the notch depth 725may range from 0.1 multiplied by the lateral straight middle portionW730 width to 0.5 multiplied by the lateral straight middle portionwidth W726.

The first arcuate corner portion 728 may define an arc midpoint 732 andan arc midpoint tangent 734 that forms a first angle 736 with thestraight middle portion 730 ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees(e.g. approximately 130 degrees). The first arcuate corner portion 728may also define an arc end point 738 and an arc end point tangent 740that forms a second angle 742 with the arc midpoint tangent 734 rangingfrom 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g. approximately 130 degrees).

Looking at FIGS. 20 and 21, the body may also include a chamfer surface706″ extending from the working edge 710 that at least partially boundseach of the plurality of center notches 722 and each of the first endnotch 724 and the second end notch 724′.

In addition, the working edge 710 may be divided into a plurality ofzones 744 disposed along the lateral direction 712 and offset from eachother along the direction of assembly 714. The plurality of zones 744may include a center zone 744 a including three of the plurality ofcenter notches 722 that are linearly laterally aligned. The plurality ofzones 744 may also include a first end zone 744 b that includes thefirst end notch 724 that is spaced away from the first lateral end afirst end distance 746 that may range from 20 mm to 60 mm (see FIG. 21).The plurality of zones 744 also includes a first intermediate zone 744 cdisposed laterally between the center zone 744 a and the first end zone744 b, and a second intermediate zone 744 d disposed laterally betweenthe first intermediate zone 744 c and the first end zone 744 b. Thefirst intermediate zone 744 c may be offset along the direction ofassembly 714 a first offset distance 748 and the second intermediatezone 744 d may be offset from the center zone 744 a a second offsetdistance 750. The first end zone 744 b may be offset from the centerzone 744 a a third offset distance 752. The third offset distance 752may be greater than the second offset distance 750, and the secondoffset distance 750 may be greater than the first offset distance 748.Other configurations are possible in other embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

Moreover, the plurality of zones 744 includes a plurality of angledzones 744 e. One of the plurality of angled zones 744 e may be disposedbetween the center zone 744 a and the first intermediate zone 744 c.Another one of the plurality of angled zones 744 e may be disposedbetween the first intermediate zone 744 c and the second intermediatezone 744 d. A third one of the plurality of angled zones 744 e may bedisposed between the second intermediate zone 744 d and the first endzone 744 b. The center zone 744 a may define a center zone midpoint 754and the body 708 may define a plane of symmetry 756 passing through thecenter zone midpoint 754. This may not the base for other embodiments.

Referring to FIGS. 2, 3, 6, 16 and 19, an adapter 800 that may take theform of a center adapter or a corner adapter, etc. and that may matewith the base edge 700 just described above will now be discussed. Theadapter 800 may comprise a body 802 that includes a nose portion 804that is configured to facilitate the attachment of a tool 118, a firstleg 806, a second leg 808, and a throat portion 810 that connects thelegs 806, 808 and nose portion 804 together. At least one of the firstleg 806 and the second leg 808 may define an aperture 812 that isconfigured to receive a mounting mechanism 126.

The first and the second legs 806, 808 and the throat portion 810 maydefine a slot 814 that includes a closed end 816 and an open end 818.The slot 814 defines a direction of assembly 820 onto a work implementassembly, and lateral direction 822 that is perpendicular to thedirection of assembly 820, and the throat portion 810 further comprisesa first throat side surface 824 disposed along the lateral direction 822and a second throat side surface 824′ disposed on the opposite side ofthe throat portion 810 along the lateral direction 822. The throatportion 810 further comprises a protrusion 826 disposed at the closedend 816 of the slot 814. The protrusion 826 may extend along thedirection of assembly 820 and along the lateral direction 822 proximateto the first throat side surface 824 and proximate to the second throatside surface 824′. Other configurations are possible in otherembodiments of the present disclosure.

The protrusion 826 may define a protrusion height 828 along thedirection of assembly 820. The protrusion 826 may further include a flatmiddle portion 830 straddled laterally by a first arcuate portion 832and a second arcuate portion 832′. The flat middle portion 830 maydefine a middle lateral width 834, and the protrusion height 828 mayrange from 0.1 multiplied by the middle lateral width 834 to 0.5multiplied by the middle lateral width 834. These dimensions and ratiosmay be altered to be different in other embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

The first arcuate portion 832 may define a midpoint 835 and a midpointtangent 836 that forms a first obtuse angle 838 with the flat middleportion 830 ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g. approximately130 degrees). The first arcuate portion 832 may also define an end point840 and an end point tangent 842 that forms a second obtuse angle 844with the midpoint tangent 836 ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees(e.g. approximately 130 degrees).

In FIGS. 2, 3, 6, and 16 thru 19, a work implement assembly 100 d mayuse an adapter 800 and a base edge 700 similar to those just described.More specifically, the work implement assembly 100 d may comprise anotched base edge 700 a defining a notch 701, and an adapter 800attached to the notched base edge 700 a. The adapter 800 may include abody 802 that includes a nose portion 804 that is configured tofacilitate the attachment of a tool 118, a first leg 806, a second leg808, and a throat portion 810 that connects the legs 806, 808 and thenose portion 804 together. At least one of the first leg 806 and thesecond leg 808 defines an aperture 812 that is configured to receive amounting mechanism 126.

The first and the second legs 806, 808 and the throat portion 810 maydefine a slot 814 that includes a closed end 816 and an open end 818.The slot 814 may also define a direction of assembly 820 onto the workimplement assembly 100 d and a lateral direction 822 that isperpendicular to the direction of assembly 820. The throat portion 810further comprises a first throat side surface 824 disposed along thelateral direction 822 and a second throat side surface 824′ disposed onthe opposite side of the throat portion 810 along the lateral direction822. The throat portion 810 may further comprise a protrusion 826disposed at the closed end 816 of the slot 814. The protrusion 826extends along the direction of assembly 820 and along the lateraldirection 822 proximate to the first throat side surface 824 andproximate to the second throat side surface 824′.

The protrusion 826 may define a protrusion height 828 along thedirection of assembly 820. The protrusion 826 may further include a flatmiddle portion 830 straddled laterally by a first arcuate portion 832and a second arcuate portion 832′. The flat middle portion 830 maydefine a middle lateral width 834, and the protrusion height 828 mayrange from 0.1 multiplied by the middle lateral width 834 to 0.5multiplied by the middle lateral width 834.

The first arcuate portion 832 may define a midpoint 835 and a midpointtangent 836 that forms a first obtuse angle 838 with the flat middleportion 830 ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees (e.g. approximately130 degrees). The first arcuate portion 832 also defining an end point840 and an end point tangent 842 that forms a second obtuse angle 844with the midpoint tangent 836 ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees(e.g. approximately 130 degrees). The notch 701 of the notched base edge700 a may be complimentarily configured to the protrusion 826 (e.g.designed line to line), making contact with the protrusion 826. Otherconfigurations and fits are possible in other embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

As best seen in FIGS. 2 and 18, the first leg 806 may include a slopedportion 846 disposed adjacent the closed end 816 along the direction ofassembly 820. The sloped portion 846 may form a first oblique angle 848with the direction of assembly 820, partially defining the slot 814. Thefirst oblique angle 848 may range from 20 degrees to 40 degrees. Thesloped portion 846 may contact the top beveled surface 706 of thenotched base edge 700 a.

As best seen in FIGS. 20 and 21, the notched base edge 700 a may includea front portion 704 including a working edge 710. The notched base edge700 a also has a plurality of center notches 722 and a first end notch724. The top beveled surface 706 extends from the working edge 710 andat least partially bounds each of the plurality of center notches 722and the first end notch 724. The notch 701 may be a center notch 722 ora first end notch 724.

The working edge 710 is divided into a plurality of zones 744 offsetfrom each other including a center zone 744 a including three of theplurality of center notches 722 that are linearly aligned, and a firstend zone 744 b that includes the first end notch 724 that is spaced awayfrom the first lateral end 716 a first end distance 746 ranging from 20mm to 60 mm.

The plurality of zones 744 includes a first intermediate zone 744 cdisposed laterally between the center zone 744 a and the first end zone744 b, and a second intermediate zone 744 d disposes laterally betweenthe first intermediate zone 744 c and the first end zone 744 b. Thefirst intermediate zone 744 c is offset along the direction of assembly820 a first offset distance 748 and the second intermediate zone 744 cis offset from the center zone 744 a a second offset distance 750. Thefirst end zone 744 b is offset from the center zone 744 a a third offsetdistance 752. The third offset distance 752 may be greater than thesecond offset distance 750, and the second offset distance 750 may begreater than the first offset distance 748.

Turning now to FIGS. 26 thru 28, and 31 thru 34, various embodiments ofan adapter cover 900, which may take the form of a center adapter cover900′, or a corner adapter cover, will now be discussed in detail.

Focusing on FIGS. 26 thru 28, an adapter cover 900 may comprise a shellbody 902 including an exterior surface 904 and an interior surface 906.As best seen in FIG. 28, the shell body 902 may define a verticaldirection 908, a horizontal direction 910, and a vertical plane 912. Thevertical plane 912 may define a plane of symmetry 912′ for the adaptercover 900 but not necessarily so.

With continued reference to FIGS. 26 thru 28, the shell body 902 mayfurther comprise a front face portion 914 defining a thru-hole 916configured to allow a nose portion 804 of an adapter 800 to passhorizontally through the thru-hole 916 past the interior surface 906 andthen past the exterior surface 904.

Also, the shell body 902 may have a top leg 918 extending horizontallyfrom the front face portion 914 that defines an adapter key receivingrecess 920 on the interior surface 906, and that has a top leg sideportion 922 defining a concave arcuate portion 924 extending rearwardfrom the front face portion 914, and a convex arcuate portion 926extending horizontally from the concave arcuate portion 924, terminatingin a vertical rear surface 928. The adapter key receiving recess 920 mayextend to the vertical rear surface 928 and may define a verticalopening dimension 929 ranging from 15 mm to 35 mm and a horizontalrecess depth 930 ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm.

In addition, the shell body 902 may also include a bottom leg 932extending horizontally from the front face portion 914 and a firststabilization pad 934 extending forwardly from the front face portion914. A second stabilization pad 934′ may also extend forwardly from thefront face portion 914 that is similarly or identically configured asthe first stabilization pad 934.

As best seen in FIG. 28, the thru-hole 916 may define a trapezoidalperimeter 936 with a right side edge 938, a left side edge 940, a topedge 942, a bottom edge 944, an upper right corner 946 and an upper leftcorner 948. The first stabilization pad 934 may be positioned proximateto the upper right corner 946 along the top edge 942 and the secondstabilization pad 934′ may be positioned proximate to the upper leftcorner 948 along the top edge 942.

The first stabilization pad 934 may define a vertical pad height 950ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm and a horizontal pad width 952 ranging from30 mm to 50 mm. Also, the amount 954 that the first stabilization pad934 is proud from the front face portion 914 may also range from 1 mm to5 mm (see FIG. 32).

In FIG. 28, the shell body 902 may further define a right side notch 956extending horizontally from the right side edge 938 and a left sidenotch 958 extending horizontally from the left side edge 940. The rightside notch 956 may define a vertical notch height 960 ranging from 30 mmto 55 mm and a horizontal notch width 962 ranging from 15 mm to 50 mm.

FIG. 27 shows that the top leg 918 may terminate along the horizontaldirection (or plane) in a U-shaped portion 964 and may further comprisea chamfer 966 extending horizontally from the rear U-shaped portion 964toward the front face portion 914.

Any of the features or dimension just mentioned may be differentlyconfigured in other embodiments of the present disclosure or may beomitted, etc.

With continued reference to FIGS. 26 thru 28, another embodiment of anadapter cover 900 will also be described. The adapter cover 900 maycomprise a shell body 902 that includes an exterior surface 904 and aninterior surface 906. The shell body 902 may also define a verticaldirection 908, a horizontal direction 910, and a vertical plane 912 (maytake the form of a plane of symmetry 912′).

The shell body 902 may also include a front face portion 914 may definea thru-hole 916 that is configured to allow a nose portion 804 of anadapter 800 to pass horizontally through the thru-hole 916 past theinterior surface 906 and then past the exterior surface 904. Thethru-hole 916 may define a trapezoidal perimeter 936 with a right sideedge 938, a left side edge 940, a top edge 942, a bottom edge 944, anupper right corner 946 and an upper left corner 948. The firststabilization pad 934 may be positioned proximate to the upper rightcorner 946 along the top edge 942 and the second stabilization pad 934′may be positioned proximate to the upper left corner 948 along the topedge 942.

The first stabilization pad 934 may define a vertical pad height 950 anda horizontal pad width 952. A ratio of the horizontal pad width 952 tothe vertical pad height 950 may range from 2.0 to 3.0. Other ratios arepossible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

The shell body 902 may also have a top leg 918 extending horizontallyfrom the front face portion 914, and a bottom leg 932 extendinghorizontally from the front face portion 914. The top leg 918 may definean adapter key receiving recess 920 on the interior surface 906 and atop leg side portion 922 that defines a concave arcuate portion 924extending rearward from the front face portion 914. A convex arcuateportion 926 may extend horizontally from the concave arcuate portion924, terminating in a vertical rear surface 924. Other configurationsare possible in other embodiments of the present disclosure.

FIGS. 23 thru 25 illustrate a work implement assembly 100 e that may usea center adapter cover 900′ such as that shown in FIGS. 26 thru 28. Thework implement assembly 100 e may comprise a base edge 700, and a centeradapter 200 attached to the base edge 700.

As best seen in FIGS. 6 and 7, the center adapter 200 may include a body202 that has a nose portion 204 that is configured to facilitate theattachment of a tool 118 (shown in FIGS. 23 thru 25), a first leg 206that includes a pair of first leg opposing side surfaces 208′, a secondleg 210 that includes a pair of second leg opposing side surfaces 210′,and a throat portion 214 that connects the legs 206, 210 and noseportion 204 together.

With continued reference to FIGS. 6 and 7, at least one of the first leg206 and the second leg 210 defines an aperture 215 that is configured toreceive a mounting mechanism 126. The body 202 may define a first toppocket 216 a that defines a first top pocket arcuate abutment surface218 a disposed adjacent one of the pair of first leg opposing sidesurfaces 208′. Also, the first and the second legs 206, 210 and thethroat portion 214 define a slot 220 that includes a closed end 222 andan open end 224. The slot 220 may define a direction of assembly 226onto a work implement assembly 100 e. The body 202 may define a topcenter adapter cover receiving recess 308′ and a bottom center adapterreceiving recess 309.

Focusing now on FIGS. 26 thru 28, the work implement assembly 100 e mayfurther include a center adapter cover 900′ includes a shell body 902with an exterior surface 904 and an interior surface 906. The shell body902 may also define a vertical direction 908, a horizontal direction910, and a vertical plane 912 (may be a plane of symmetry 912′). Theshell body may also have a front face portion 914 defining a thru-hole916 configured to allow the nose portion 204 of the center adapter 200to pass horizontally through the thru-hole 916 past the interior surface906 and then past the exterior surface 904. In addition, a top leg 918may extend horizontally from the front face portion 914, and a bottomleg 932 may also extend horizontally from the front face portion 914.

Referring back to FIGS. 23 thru 25, the center adapter cover 900′ may besandwiched between the tool 118 and the center adapter 200. The top leg918 of the center adapter cover 900′ may be resting at least partiallyin the top center adapter cover receiving recess 308′ of the centeradapter 200 and the bottom leg 932 may be resting at least partially inthe bottom center adapter receiving recess 309. The center adapter 200may include a top surface 320 and the top leg 918 of the center adaptercover 900′ may rise vertically above the center adapter 200 while thebottom leg 932 of the center adapter cover 900′ may extend verticallybelow the center adapter 200. This may help to protect the adapter asmaterial passes over and underneath the cover (see material flow path136 in FIG. 23).

To that end, the tool 118 may define a tool top surface 132 and thecenter adapter cover 900′ may define a cover top surface 966 that blendswith the tool top surface 132. The tool 118 may also defines a toolbottom surface 134 while the center adapter cover 900′ defines a coverbottom surface 968 that is at least partially parallel with the toolbottom surface 134. Other configurations for these various features arepossible in other embodiments.

Other features will now be described that may allow material to flowalong the material flow path 136, etc. over the adapter and cover. Forexample, the front face portion 914 may include a front radial surface970 interposed between the tool top surface 132 and the cover topsurface 966. Hence, these features may be configured to provide amaterial flow path 136 along the tool top surface 132 over the cover topsurface 966. Moreover, the front face portion 914 of the center adaptercover 900′ defines a front face portion perimeter 976 and the frontradial surface 970 may extend completely along the front face portionperimeter 976 (see FIG. 28). Looking at FIG. 25, the tool 118 may alsoinclude a pair of tool side surfaces 138 and the front radial surface970 may be configured to allow material to flow past the tool sidesurfaces 138 and past the center adapter cover 900′.

Other features may be provided that allow a reversal of the flow ofmaterial. For example, the top leg 918 of the center adapter cover 900′defines a top rear chamfer 972 that is angled from the cover top surface966 toward the first leg 206 of the center adapter 200. Similarly, thebottom leg 932 of the center adapter cover 900′ defines a bottom rearchamfer 974 that is angled from the cover 900′ from the cover bottomsurface 968 toward the second leg 210 of the center adapter 200.

Referring back to FIGS. 26 thru 28, and 32 thru 34, yet anotherembodiment of an adapter cover 1000 may be seen that may take the formof a center adapter cover or a corner adapter cover. Focusing on FIGS.32 thru 34, the adapter cover 1000 may comprise a shell body 1002including an exterior surface 1004 and an interior surface 1006. Theshell body 1002 may also define a vertical direction 1008, a horizontaldirection 1010, and a vertical plane 1012 (may be a plane of symmetry1012′ but not necessarily so, see FIG. 34). The shell body 1002 may alsocomprise a front face portion 1014 defining a thru-hole 1016 configuredto allow a nose portion 508 of an adapter 500 to pass horizontallythrough the thru-hole 1016 past the interior surface 1006 and then pastthe exterior surface 1004. A top leg 1018 may be provided extendinghorizontally from the front face portion 1014 and defining an adaptercover key 1020 on the interior surface 1006. Also, a top leg sideportion 1022 may be provided defining a concave arcuate portion 1024extending rearward from the front face portion 1014. A convex arcuateportion 1026 may extend horizontally from the concave arcuate portion1024, terminating in a vertical rear surface 1028. The shell body 1002may also include a bottom leg 1030 extending horizontally from the frontface portion 1014.

Looking at FIG. 33, the adapter cover key 1020 may be spaced away fromthe vertical rear surface 1028 and may define a vertical adapter keydimension 1032 ranging from 40 mm to 60 mm, and a horizontal key height1034 ranging from 25 mm to 35 mm. A ratio of the horizontal key height1034 to the vertical adapter key dimension 1032 may range from 1.5 to3.0. Other dimensions and ratios are possible in other embodiments.

As depicted in FIG. 34, the shell body 1002 may also include a firststabilization pad 1036 extending forwardly from the front face portion1014 and a second stabilization pad 1036′ extending forwardly from thefront face portion 1014. The thru-hole 1016 may define a trapezoidalperimeter 1038 with a right side edge 1040, a left side edge 1042, a topedge 1044, a bottom edge 1046, an upper right corner 1048 and an upperleft corner 1050. The first stabilization pad 1036 may be positionedproximate to the upper right corner 1048 along the top edge 1044 and thesecond stabilization pad 1036′ may be positioned proximate to the upperleft corner 1050 along the top edge 1044.

The first stabilization pad 1036 may define a vertical pad height 1052ranging from 10 mm to 20 mm, and a horizontal pad width 1054 rangingfrom 30 mm to 50 mm. A ratio of the vertical pad height 1052 to thehorizontal pad width 1054 may range from 0.5 to 0.33. Other dimensionsand ratios may be employed for other embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

In addition, the shell body 1002 may further define a right side notch1056 extending horizontally from the right side edge 1040 and a leftside notch 1056′ extending horizontally from the left side edge 1042.The right side notch 1056 may define a vertical notch height 1058ranging from 30 mm to 55 mm and a horizontal notch width 1060 rangingfrom 5 mm to 15 mm. A ratio of the vertical notch height 1058 to thehorizontal notch width 1060 may range from 3.0 to 6.0. These dimensionsand ratios may be different for other embodiments of the presentdisclosure.

The top leg 1018 may terminate along the horizontal direction 1010 (orplane) in a U-shaped portion 1062. The top leg 1018 may further comprisea chamfer 1064 extending horizontally from the rear U-shaped portion1062 toward the front face portion 1014.

With continued reference to FIGS. 32 thru 34, a corner adapter cover1100 according to various embodiments of the present disclosure will nowbe described. The corner adapter cover 1100 may comprise a shell body1102 including an exterior surface 1104 and an interior surface 1106.The shell body 1102 may define a vertical direction 1108, a horizontaldirection 1110, and a vertical plane 1112 (may be referred to as a planeof symmetry 1112′ in some embodiments).

The shell body 1102 may have a front face portion 1114 defining athru-hole 1116 configured to allow a nose portion 508 of an adapter 500to pass horizontally through the thru-hole 1116 past the interiorsurface 1106 and then past the exterior surface 1104.

The shell body 1102 may also include a top bifurcated leg 1122 extendinghorizontally from the front face portion 1114. The top bifurcated leg1122 may include a shelf 1124 spanning horizontally along the front faceportion 1114, and define a top vertical slot 1126 splitting the topbifurcated leg 1122 into a right fork portion 1128 and a left forkportion 1130. A bottom leg 1132 may extend horizontally from the frontface portion 1114 as well.

The top bifurcated leg 1122 may include a V-shaped pad 1134 disposed ontop of the shelf 1124, and the right fork portion 1128 and the left forkportion 1130 may extend from the shelf 1124. Also, the top bifurcatedleg 1122 may further define a cutout 1136 extending horizontally on topof the V-shaped pad 1134 and through the V-shaped pad 1134.

As alluded to earlier herein, the thru-hole 1116 may define atrapezoidal perimeter 1136 with a right side edge 1138, a left side edge1140, a top edge 1142, a bottom edge 1144, an upper right corner 1146,and an upper left corner 1148. The corner adapter cover 1100 furthercomprising a first stabilization pad 1150 disposed proximate to theupper right corner 1146 along the top edge 1142 and a secondstabilization pad 1150′ disposed proximate to the upper left corner 1148along the top edge 1142. The shell body 1102 may further define a rightside notch 1152 extending horizontally from the right side edge 1138 anda left side notch 1152′ extending horizontally from the left side edge1140.

FIGS. 29 thru 31 depict a work implement assembly 100 f according tovarious embodiments of the present disclosure. The work implementassembly 100 f may comprise a base edge 700, a corner adapter cover 1100including a shell body 1102 including an exterior surface 1104 and aninterior surface 1106. Referring back to FIGS. 32 thru 34. The shellbody 1102 may define a vertical direction 1108, a horizontal direction1110, and a vertical plane 1112. The shell body 1102 may also include afront face portion 1114 defining a thru-hole 1116 configured to allow anose portion 508 of an adapter 500 to pass horizontally through thethru-hole 1116 past the interior surface 1106 and then past the exteriorsurface 1104.

A top bifurcated leg 1122 may extend horizontally from the front faceportion 1114. The top bifurcated leg 1122 may include a shelf 1124spanning horizontally along the front face portion 1114. The topbifurcated leg 1122 may define a top vertical slot 1126 splitting thetop bifurcated leg 1122 into a right fork portion 1128 and a left forkportion 1130. The top bifurcated leg 1122 includes a V-shaped pad 1134disposed on top of the shelf 1124. The right fork portion 1128 and theleft fork portion 1130 may extend from the shelf 1124.

A bottom leg 1132 may also be provided that extends horizontally fromthe front face portion 1114.

In FIGS. 29 thru 31, the corner adapter 500 may be attached to the baseedge 700. As best seen in FIG. 16, the corner adapter 500 may include abody 502 that includes a nose portion 508 that is configured tofacilitate the attachment of a tool 118, and a first bifurcated leg 512that includes a pair of first leg side surfaces 514. The firstbifurcated leg 512 may define a vertical slot 516 splitting the firstbifurcated leg 512 into a first fork portion 518 and a second forkportion 520. The body 502 may also have a second leg 522 that includes apair of second leg side surfaces 524, a throat portion 526 that connectsthe legs 512, 522 and nose portion 508 together. At least one of thefirst fork portion 518 and the second fork portion 520 defines anaperture 528 that is configured to receive a mounting mechanism 126.

A tool 118 may be attached to the nose portion 508 in a manner aspreviously described herein. In FIGS. 29 thru 31, the work implementassembly 100 f may also include a side edge 120. The corner adaptercover 1100 may be sandwiched between the tool 118 and the corner adapter500.

In FIG. 30, the corner adapter 500 may include a top surface 596 and thetop bifurcated leg 1122 of the corner adapter cover 1100 may risevertically above the center adapter 500. In similar fashion, the bottomleg 1132 of the corner adapter cover 1100 may extend vertically belowthe corner adapter 500. The side edge 120 may be disposed in the topvertical slot 1126 of the corner adapter cover 1100 (see FIGS. 32 and33) and in the vertical slot 516 of the corner adapter 500 (see FIG.16).

With continued reference to FIG. 30, the tool 118 may define a tool topsurface 132 and the corner adapter cover 1100 may define a corneradapter cover top surface 1154 that at least partially blends with thetool top surface 132. Furthermore, the tool 118 may define a tool bottomsurface 134 while the corner adapter cover 1100 may define a corneradapter cover bottom surface 1156 that is at least partially parallelwith the tool bottom surface 134.

The front face portion 1114 of the corner adapter cover 1100 may includea front radial surface 1158 interposed between the tool top surface 132and the corner adapter cover top surface 1154, being configured toprovide a flow path along the tool top surface 132 over the corneradapter cover top surface 1154.

For a similar purpose, the front face portion 1114 of the corner adaptercover 1100 may define a front face portion perimeter 1160. The frontradial surface 1158 may extend completely along the front face portionperimeter 1160 (see FIG. 34). In FIG. 31, the tool 118 may include apair of tool side surfaces 138, and the front radial surface 1158 may beconfigured to allow material to flow past the tool side surfaces 138 andpast the corner adapter cover 1100.

Other streamlining features may be provided. For example as shown inFIG. 29, the top bifurcated leg 1122 may further define a cutout 1162extending horizontally on top of the V-shaped pad 1134 and through theV-shaped pad 1134. The work implement assembly 100 f may furthercomprise a side edge protector 124 attached to the side edge 120 thatincludes a V-shaped front portion 1164 seated in the cutout 1162. TheV-shaped front portion 1164 may define a top vertex 1166 while theV-shaped pad 1134 may define a bottom vertex 1168 that is positionedproximate to the top vertex 1166. These features may allow material toflow more easily into and along the side of the work implement assembly100 f. Other configurations for these various features are possible andthese various features may be omitted in other embodiments of thepresent disclosure.

Again, it should be noted that any of the dimensions, angles, surfaceareas and/or configurations of various features may be varied as desiredor needed including those not specifically mentioned herein. Althoughnot specifically discussed, blends such as fillets are shown to connectthe various surfaces. These may be omitted in other embodiments and itis to be understood that their presence may be ignored sometimes whenreading the present specification unless specifically mentioned.

INDUSTRIAL APPLICABILITY

In practice, a machine, a work implement assembly, a center adapter, acorner adapter, a load sharing block, center adapter cover, corneradapter cover, and/or a base edge may be manufactured, bought, or soldto retrofit a machine or a work implement assembly in the field in anaftermarket context, or alternatively, may be manufactured, bought, soldor otherwise obtained in an OEM (original equipment manufacturer)context.

Any of the aforementioned components may be made from any suitablematerial including iron, grey-cast iron, steel, etc.

It will be appreciated that the foregoing description provides examplesof the disclosed assembly and technique. However, it is contemplatedthat other implementations of the disclosure may differ in detail fromthe foregoing examples. All references to the disclosure or examplesthereof are intended to reference the particular example being discussedat that point and are not intended to imply any limitation as to thescope of the disclosure more generally. All language of distinction anddisparagement with respect to certain features is intended to indicate alack of preference for those features, but not to exclude such from thescope of the disclosure entirely unless otherwise indicated.

Recitation of ranges of values herein are merely intended to serve as ashorthand method of referring individually to each separate valuefalling within the range, unless otherwise indicated herein, and eachseparate value is incorporated into the specification as if it wereindividually recited herein.

It will be apparent to those skilled in the art that variousmodifications and variations can be made to the embodiments of theapparatus and methods of assembly as discussed herein without departingfrom the scope or spirit of the invention(s). Other embodiments of thisdisclosure will be apparent to those skilled in the art fromconsideration of the specification and practice of the variousembodiments disclosed herein. For example, some of the equipment may beconstructed and function differently than what has been described hereinand certain steps of any method may be omitted, performed in an orderthat is different than what has been specifically mentioned or in somecases performed simultaneously or in sub-steps. Furthermore, variationsor modifications to certain aspects or features of various embodimentsmay be made to create further embodiments and features and aspects ofvarious embodiments may be added to or substituted for other features oraspects of other embodiments in order to provide still furtherembodiments.

Accordingly, this disclosure includes all modifications and equivalentsof the subject matter recited in the claims appended hereto as permittedby applicable law. Moreover, any combination of the above-describedelements in all possible variations thereof is encompassed by thedisclosure unless otherwise indicated herein or otherwise clearlycontradicted by context.

What is claimed is:
 1. A base edge comprising: a body including aworking edge defining a lateral direction and a direction of assemblyperpendicular to the lateral direction, the body further defining afirst lateral end and a second lateral end; a plurality of verticalmounting mechanism receiving apertures; a plurality of center notchesextending from the working edge; and a first end notch disposedproximate to the first lateral end and a second end notch disposedproximate to the second lateral end, the first end notch and the secondend notch extending from the working edge; wherein each of the pluralityof center notches and the first and the second end notches includes thesame configuration, defining a notch depth along direction of assembly,each of the plurality of center notches and the first and the second endnotches further includes a straight middle portion straddled laterallyby a first arcuate corner portion and a second arcuate corner portion,the straight middle portion defining a lateral straight middle portionwidth, and the notch depth ranges from 0.1 multiplied by the lateralstraight middle portion width to 0.5 multiplied by the lateral straightmiddle portion width such that the lateral straight middle portion, thefirst arcuate corner portion, and the second arcuate corner portionprovide an anti-rotational bearing surface.
 2. The base edge of claim 1wherein the first arcuate corner portion defines an arc midpoint and anarc midpoint tangent that forms a first angle with the straight middleportion ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees, the first arcuatecorner portion also defining an arc end point and an arc end pointtangent that forms a second angle with the arc midpoint tangent rangingfrom 100 degrees to 160 degrees.
 3. The base edge of claim 1 furthercomprising a chamfer surface extending from the working edge and atleast partially bounding each of the plurality of center notches andeach of the first end notch and the second end notch.
 4. The base edgeof claim 1 wherein the working edge is divided into a plurality of zonesdisposed along the lateral direction and offset from each other alongthe direction of assembly, the plurality of zones including a centerzone including three of the plurality of center notches that arelaterally linearly aligned.
 5. The base edge of claim 4 wherein theplurality of zones includes a first end zone that includes the first endnotch that is spaced away from the first lateral end a first enddistance ranging from 20 mm to 60 mm.
 6. The base edge of claim 5wherein the plurality of zones includes a first intermediate zonedisposed laterally between the center zone and the first end zone and asecond intermediate zone disposed laterally between the firstintermediate zone and the first end zone, and the first intermediatezone is offset along the direction of assembly a first offset distanceand the second intermediate zone is offset from the center zone a secondoffset distance, and the first end zone is offset from the center zone athird offset distance, and the third offset distance is greater than thesecond offset distance, and the second offset distance is greater thanthe first offset distance.
 7. The base edge of claim 6 wherein theplurality of zones includes a plurality of angled zones, one of theplurality of angled zones being disposed between the center zone and thefirst intermediate zone, another one of the plurality of angled zonesbeing disposed between the first intermediate zone and the secondintermediate zone, and a third one of the plurality of angled zonesbeing disposed between the second intermediate zone and the first endzone.
 8. The base edge of claim 7 wherein the center zone defines acenter zone midpoint and the body defines a plane of symmetry passingthrough the center zone midpoint.
 9. An adapter comprising: a body thatincludes: a nose portion that is configured to facilitate the attachmentof a tool; a first leg; a second leg; a throat portion that connects thelegs and nose portion together; at least one of the first leg and thesecond leg defines an aperture that is configured to receive a mountingmechanism; and the first and the second legs and the throat portiondefine a slot that includes a closed end and an open end, the slotdefining a direction of assembly onto a work implement and a lateraldirection that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly, and thethroat portion further comprises a first throat side surface disposedalong the lateral direction and a second throat side surface disposed onthe opposite side of the throat portion along the lateral direction, andthe throat portion further comprises a protrusion disposed at the closedend of the slot, the protrusion extending along the direction ofassembly and along the lateral direction proximate to the first throatside surface and proximate to the second throat side surface; andwherein the protrusion defines a protrusion height along the directionof assembly, the protrusion further includes a flat middle portionstraddled laterally by a first arcuate portion and a second arcuateportion, the flat middle portion defining a middle lateral width, andthe protrusion height ranges from 0.1 multiplied by the middle lateralwidth to 0.5 multiplied by the middle lateral width such that the flatmiddle portion, the first arcuate portion, and the second arcuateportion provide an anti-rotational bearing surface.
 10. The adapter ofclaim 9 wherein the first arcuate portion defines a midpoint and amidpoint tangent that forms a first obtuse angle with the flat middleportion ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees, the first arcuateportion also defining an end point and an end point tangent that forms asecond obtuse angle with the midpoint tangent ranging from 100 degreesto 160 degrees.
 11. The adapter of claim 9 wherein the adapter is acenter adapter.
 12. The adapter of claim 9 wherein the adapter is acorner adapter.
 13. A work implement assembly comprising: a notched baseedge defining a notch, a first lateral end, and a second lateral end; anadapter attached to the notched base edge, the adapter including a bodythat includes: a nose portion that is configured to facilitate theattachment of a tool; a first leg; a second leg; a throat portion thatconnects the legs and nose portion together; at least one of the firstleg and the second leg defines an aperture that is configured to receivea mounting mechanism; and the first and the second legs and the throatportion define a slot that includes a closed end and an open end, theslot defining a direction of assembly onto a work implement and alateral direction that is perpendicular to the direction of assembly,and the throat portion further comprises a first throat side surfacedisposed along the lateral direction and a second throat side surfacedisposed on the opposite side of the throat portion along the lateraldirection, and the throat portion further comprises a protrusiondisposed at the closed end of the slot, the protrusion extending alongthe direction of assembly and along the lateral direction proximate tothe first throat side surface and proximate to the second throat sidesurface; and wherein the protrusion defines a protrusion height alongthe direction of assembly, the protrusion further includes a flat middleportion straddled laterally by a first arcuate portion and a secondarcuate portion, the flat middle portion defining a middle lateralwidth, and the protrusion height ranges from 0.1 multiplied by themiddle lateral width to 0.5 multiplied by the middle lateral width suchthat the flat middle portion, the first arcuate, and the second arcuateportion provide maximized contact surface.
 14. The work implementassembly of claim 13 wherein the first arcuate portion defines amidpoint and a midpoint tangent that forms a first obtuse angle with theflat middle portion ranging from 100 degrees to 160 degrees, the firstarcuate portion also defining an end point and an end point tangent thatforms a second obtuse angle with the midpoint tangent ranging from 100degrees to 160 degrees and the notch of the notched base edge iscomplimentarily configured to the protrusion, making contact with theprotrusion.
 15. The work implement assembly of claim 13 wherein: thenotched base edge includes a front portion including a working edge anda top beveled surface and a plurality of center notches and a first endnotch; and the first leg includes a sloped portion disposed adjacent theclosed end along the direction of assembly, the sloped portion forming afirst oblique angle with the direction of assembly and partiallydefining the slot, the first oblique angle ranging from 20 degrees to 40degrees, the sloped portion contacting the top beveled surface.
 16. Thework implement assembly of claim 13 wherein the notch is a center notchand the adapter is a center adapter.
 17. The work implement assembly ofclaim 13 wherein the notch is a first end notch and the adapter is acorner adapter.
 18. The work implement assembly of claim 15 wherein thetop beveled surface extends from the working edge and at least partiallybounds each of the plurality of center notches and the first end notch.19. The work implement assembly of claim 15 wherein the working edge isdivided into a plurality of zones offset from each other including acenter zone including three of the plurality of center notches that arelinearly aligned, and a first end zone that includes the first end notchthat is spaced away from the first lateral end a first end distanceranging from 20 mm to 60 mm.
 20. The work implement assembly of claim 19wherein the plurality of zones includes a first intermediate zonedisposed laterally between the center zone and the first end zone and asecond intermediate zone disposes laterally between the firstintermediate zone and the first end zone, and the first intermediatezone is offset along the direction of assembly a first distance and thesecond intermediate zone is offset from the intermediate zone a seconddistance, and the first end zone is offset from the intermediate zone athird distance, and the third distance is greater than the seconddistance, and the second distance is greater than the first distance.